Preview: Flyers vs Coyotes (Game 12)

The Flyers return back home after a two-game road trip and are looking to build on their 4-2 victory on Saturday over the Maple Leafs. They will do so without the help of Shayne Gostisbehere, who got injured after a dangerous hit from behind by Leo Komarov. There’s no update yet on when Gostisbehere will return. Komarov received no supplementary discipline on the play.

On a brighter note: Flyers announced yesterday that they have recalled Samuel Morin from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. It’s uncertain still if Morin will make his season debut tonight since he is currently dealing with a minor injury. But if he is ready to play he will do so on a pairing with Brandon Manning. Mark Alt will be recalled if Morin is not fit to play.

Flyers still miss Nolan Patrick after he suffered a upper-body injury versus the Ducks and he is still day-to-day.

Flyers are looking to build on their 60-minute effort versus the Maple Leafs and tonight is a must-win considering the Coyotes haven’t won a game. Flyers will miss Patrick and Gostisbehere, but have enough depth to get the job done. The first line centered by Sean Couturier is off to a great start and needs to lead the way yet again. Coyotes may have struggled so far, but they have alot of firepower offensively in the likes of Max Domi and Clayton Keller and the Flyers defense needs to be ready for a fast-skating and desperate Coyotes team.

Arizona are still looking for their first win of the season and will have to do so without highly touted defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who has started skating again after his knee injury, but there is still no timetable for his return. Antti Raanta was rumored to be back from his injury to start tonight, but it seems like Scott Wedgewood will make his Coyotes’ debut after being acquired from the New Jersey Devils just a couple of days ago.

Projected lines

Domi – Stepan – Keller

Perlini – Dvorak – Duclair

Rinaldo – Kempe – Rieder

Martinook – Richardson – Fischer

Ekman-Larsson – Demers

Goligoski – Hjalmarsson

Connauton – Schenn

Wedgewood

THREE STORYLINES TO WATCH

1. Will the Flyers’ top line continue their impressive start? They have combined for an impressive 41 points in 11 games and the team will rely on them to continue production, especially with Nolan Patrick and Shayne Gostisbehere out of the lineup. Giroux moving to the left wing has proven to be a successful so far and it’s safe to say it looks permanent.

2. How will the Flyers’ powerplay look without Shayne Gostisbehere manning the point? Ghost Bear is leading all NHL blueliners in points and will without a doubt be missed, but this is also a great chance for Provorov to show even more of his offensive skills. This also most likely means Sanheim will get a chance to play on the second power-play unit.

3. Samuel Morin was one of the last cuts at training camp and he could make his season debut tonight. Look for him to try and show his worth now that he is here. Dont be surprised if he has a word or two with former Flyer Zac Rinaldo.